Connections For Neophytes

Chisel career that makes and uses the connections that count!

Connectivity is provided by networks. The requirement for those who will connect computers through networks will soon increase. These people are identified as networking professionals.

“Networking professionals are individuals capable of planning a wired and wireless infrastructure to support network connectivity by installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network devices for Internet and server connectivity,” says Ranajoy Punja, Vice President, Business Development – Advance Technologies, Cisco Systems, India and SAARC.

Stepping Stones
A keen interest in, and knowledge of, computer hardware are the foundations for procuring entry into the networking field. “Clarity in the basics of computers, and a good understanding of the hardware and software of computer systems are the primary requirements to begin with,” says J Sheshadri, CTO, Emerson Network Power India Ltd.

Along with the sharing of data over the network, arises the issue of security-security of data over the network is a serious concern. The field of networks and security are dynamic: with rapid developments happening in various areas of networking, existing technologies are challenged. By the time one gets well-versed with a particular network technology, along comes another.

Those willing to make the best of their drive can complete formal education and earn a college degree. The precise names of the degree programs vary from institute to institute, and most colleges do not offer a special degree program focusing solely on networking. A suitable graduate or master’s degree program for networking would be any of the following: computer science, information technology, computer engineering, electronics and telecommunications, electrical engineering, information technology and telecommunications.

These degrees can be procured from leading engineering colleges across India. The degree programs cover topics such as basics of computer networks, network management and security, working with various network protocols, operating systems, and other networking-related topics.

There are also short-term courses that focus on networking topics offered by some institutions as an alternative to a four-year degree program.

Global certifications keep one above par, and those with one have a definite edge over the others”
Muthu Logan,Founder and CEO,BroVis Wireless Networks Ltd

Short-term courses may help in quick acquisition of basic networking knowledge by more focused programs on networking topics. Degree programs, on the other hand, lay in-depth foundations and reflect a level of dedication to prospective employers.

Today, international-level certifications are available from various vendors such as Cisco, Microsoft, Red Hat, Juniper, and IBM. Also, the international-level certification of the CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) is now possible to acquire by an examination: for more details, visit www.comptia.org/trainingandeducation. Pursuing training from the authorised training centres of the vendor companies and taking examinations, help in gaining knowledge, to be at par with the requirements of the industry. For further details on certification courses and the authorised training centres of international vendors, see box A List Of Popular Certifications.

Many branches of private institutes such as CMS Institute, Jetking, Aptech, Accel, and more, are spread all over India, which provide coaching and training on hardware and networking topics irrespective of the vendor platform.

At the time of recruiting freshers, employers look at what projects the applicant has undertaken, and whether there is any relevant working experience. While recruiting network professionals through basic-level technical written tests, organisations check for the clarity of the fundamentals of the applicant.

Besides qualifications and certifications, soft skills such as good communication, presentation skills, self-confidence, application of logic, and leadership qualities are also examined by employers at the time of recruitment.

Certifications
Which certification is the best? The answer depends upon the individual’s interest in a particular area of networking, and also the preferences of the hiring companies. Certification courses are designed for three levels-Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert or Advanced, and are awarded to accredit anyone who has proved eligible after passing the examinations. A few ambitious students acquire multiple certifications-sometimes more than four!

“Certification is a must nowadays. It provides in-depth knowledge of the technology along with practical exposure. Certifications really help when they are done along with the job in the same field, and you can link the knowledge to your day-to-day work,” says Manish Macwan, now an Assistant IT Specialist (messaging and groupware), CMS Computers Ltd.

Passing the tests and getting a global certification naturally keeps you a notch above those who do not possess one. Along with the certification, some working experience in industry gives a complete picture of what organisations want, and how can one fulfil that by acquiring qualifications and certifications which the organisation basically look for in.

Also, pursuing certification in specialised areas such as network security, servers, systems, etc. depends upon an individual’s personal interest. Besides this, the benefits one gets from global certifications are global acceptance, better monetary returns, greater confidence, and better growth opportunities.

Getting hired successfully in a company doesn’t mean an end to learning: it is an ongoing process. Companies organise or sponsor internal training and education of their employees in order to enhance their knowledge and bring out better solutions with their knowledge for the organisation. After entering the networking segment as a fresher, they can reach to the top designation passing the following positions.

Beginner level (approx. salary per annum:
Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 4 lakh) 
End-User Support Specialist
Information Technology Technician
Help Desk / Customer Support

Middle level (approx. salary per annum:
Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh)
Network / System Administrator
Network Design Engineer
Network Systems Technician/Specialist
Network Engineer

Top level (approx. salary per annum:
Rs 8.5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh) 
Chief Technology Officer
VP – IT / Systems
Diploma holders can expect a start from as low as Rs 85,000 per annum.

After entering at the beginner level in technical support, it takes about two to three years for one to advance to the next level. At a middle level position such as a Network Engineer or Network / System Administrator, the variety of tasks and the work profile are as complex as the network itself! One acquires knowledge and experience of managing, maintaining, and providing solutions for the networks primarily at this level. Advancing from the middle level to the next level-as in from Network Engineer to Network Administrator-takes around five to seven years, and sometimes more than that. Finally, to get to a top-level position such as VP-IT or Systems, eight to 12 years or more of experience could be needed.

All these time periods are just indicative: it’s the inner drive and interest in constant learning in an individual that takes him to the top.